After a release-valve win in Boston, we have a few days to think about the next stumble.
The Islanders are riding high after — oh, haha, just kidding. In knocking off the Bruins in OT on Sunday, the Islanders won a game that they almost blew (again) despite a strong effort, almost as if this team has a very average to low ceiling.
Next, they head west for a visit to Vegas and Utah later this week. They remain last in the Metro and just two points above the Sabres, who are in the Eastern basement.
Islanders News
- It was another one of those periodic impressive effort wins they occasionally offer to entice and ultimately tease the hopefuls. [Post | LHH]
- The new-look top line clicked. Not holding my breath for more. [THN | Newsday]
- The Skinny: “it is the first time in the last nine games they were shorthanded that they did not allow a power play goal.” [Isles]
- Despite their struggles, Islanders players say they still back Patrick Roy. [Newsday]
- Oliver Wahlstrom, still pointless with the Bruins, is appreciative of the chances the Islanders gave him and happy to get a fresh start and perspective in Boston. [Post]
- Three young Isles prospects medaled at the WJC. [Isles]
- “Test Your Brent Sutter Trivia” — oh wait, no, you have to “download the app to access this content,” so F that noise. [Isles]
Elsewhere
Only four games in the NHL last night, including Montreal winning their 8th in 10, which I guess makes them an Isles rival for a wild card spot, if both teams are going to pretend. And Tage Thompson surpassed Ryan Pulock for fastest (hardest/speediest shot) goal of the season as the Sabres ended their latest skid.
- That’s rich: Isaiah George’s concusser, Max Domi, is finally fined for elbowing…Garnet Hathaway. [THN]
- Domi appeared to be seeking revenge for a fight Hathaway had with Jake McCabe, which landed McCabe on IR thanks to how they fell. [TSN]
- The Rangers have claimed Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from the Kings. [ESPN]
- Elias Pettersson claims not to be distracted by trade rumors. [Sportsnet]
- Quarter-Century WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? Teams: The Seattle Kraken and the Arizona Coyotes are represented. Finally, Nick Schmaltz gets his due. [NHL]
- Speaking of futility, can the Sabres salvage their season? [ESPN]
- Twice-waived, thrice-discarded Kasperi Kapanen has found a home (for now) in Edmonton. [Sportsnet]
- R.I.P. Al MacNeil, who played a role in getting Ken Dryden’s career launched and in the Flames’ lone Stanley Cup team. [TSN]